the christmas story from around the world - i

During the Christmas holiday, the Washington, DC LDS Temple celebrates Christmas with a Festival of Lights turning the 55 acres of grounds into a winter wonderland of beauty, nightly concerts, and a stunning display showcasing over 100 Nativities from around the world. Best of all it's free and open to the public. The perfect way to ring in the Christmas season and focus on what's most important.

Last Sunday I enjoyed a great concert, and the Nativity display from around the world. I don't remember where a lot of these came from, but they're so pretty and different I had to share.

cutest angel ever

woven from wheat straws and so tiny

so many different interpretations of the same story

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.


And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his aespoused wife, being great with child.

~~Luke 2: 1-5

gift ideas for grownups





buy here



these make great travel journals

and are the perfect pocket size.



buy here



such a pretty pitcher. in two sizes.



buy it here



 if, for some reason, they need a timer that can hang from a necklace this one is nice and made in italy.



buy it here

if they love photography and history,

they'll love this book.

my review here



buy here

now these are slippers... wicked good slippers.

tickets here

tickets to see this on broadway would be nice
or tickets to any upcoming show in the area would be nice too.




buy here

if writing upside down is needed,

here's the astronaut pen



buy here

each measuring cup is a flower. so pretty.



buy here

down home cooking for the men and for girls night too.

bonus material includes photos of wrangler butts



buy here

everyone has all these digital photos they never print for display and now they don't have to.

gifts for the kidlets

i love shopping for kidlets. it's so fun!

i went shopping for a secret santa

and found some fun ideas to share.

buy it here

 a friend with twin girls recommended the

SAY PLEASE TEA SET.

so cute!

buy it here

our family is a fan of uno, and

UNO MOO

looks like a fun variation for the kidlets.

instead of matching numbers & colors,

they match animals and colors!

buy them here

 a niece asked for

FUN BANDZ.

they come in all colors and collections.

buy them here

why one dozen FOAM SWORDS you ask?

because you need another sword in the room to have a sword fight

and imagine how much fun 12 of these things could be...

okay, maybe not.

these were a hit in my family when grampa gave them out.



~~~~ * ~~~~

a tradition:

my sister's husband brought this tradition into our family.

their children only get three presents, because that's how many baby jesus received.

and one of the gifts is handmade.

p.s. amazon does not know i exist.

gifts for mom and dad

sometimes the perfect gifts require a little work.

here are three little gifts that do just this and become priceless treasures for years to come.

buy it here

buy it here

 fill-in-the-blank journals for mom & dad

which prompt them to record

specifics about their lives for us.

priceless.

buy it here

and this i find intriguing -

a fill-in-the-blank journal for mom and daughter.

some easy ways to get started

on collecting your family history.

p.s. paper source does not know i exist or that i blog about their products.

i just like their stuff and wanted to share.

two years ago yesterday

I came home two years ago yesterday from Afghanistan.

Today I am so thankful for so much; my heart is so full. It's amazing to think I was there. It's amazing to think I am now here and I sometimes forget that we are still there. I have good friends there now and it's sobering to hear from them and read the news about what happens in their part of the world.

All I can say, is that I do pray for peace, for hearts to be softened, and for political maneuverings to not be so selfish. I think ahead to what the possibilities are and I'm breathless with anticipation for the promised peace and good will toward all men.

The Christmas season is such a good time to remember that He did indeed come here among us.  That one night on Earth, a long time ago, angels sang praises, shepherds rushed to greet Him, and a new little family was started with the promise of peace for all mankind.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

paper

i love paper.

good thick paper

and

elegant pens

with slender nibs skimming along

spilling out dark, satiny ink

to spell the secrets of my heart

in best wishes to friends and family.

mistletoe baby looking for someone to share the warmth

peek-a-boo.

don't you wonder what she's seeing?

what cute little angels delivering christmas cheer.

i, for one, will be mailing cards of paper this year

and while i appreciate efforts to go green,

just call me old-fashioned 'cause

good thick paper and ink get me every time.

plus, i love opening envelopes

and seeing what's inside,

getting the update on your life,

and holding christmas wishes in my hands.

it does my heart good.

all images

i splurged...

just a little today on this.

i've been looking at this for over a month.

i've resisted and not given in,

but today

i splurged.

i will have fun putting this together.

image from paper-source

light

contemplate,

if you will for just a moment,

the source of light.

light & love.

the reason for the season.

christmas lights have been spotted!

image 1

image 2